Using rice instead of bread, and adding savory sausage and melty cheeses, gives this stuffing a distinctly Italian flavor.

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground veal

2 pounds rice, cooked al dente according to package directions

1½ pounds mozzarella cheese, diced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the sausage in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Remove it to a large bowl. Sauté the onion, beef, and veal in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil until brown and add it to the bowl.

3. In a large bowl, stir together the meat, rice, chicken broth, mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Place the mixture in a casserole dish, and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.